Pubdate: Wed, 06 Dec 2000
Source: International Herald-Tribune (France)
Copyright: International Herald Tribune 2000
Contact:  181, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92521 Neuilly Cedex, France
Fax: (33) 1 41 43 93 38
Website: http://www.iht.com/

US MAY EXPAND ANTI-DRUG WAR BEYOND COLOMBIA

Even with its $1.3 billion anti-drug program for Colombia in trouble, the 
United States is making plans to expand that effort to combat a ''spillover 
effect'' of drug trafficking and guerrilla activities in neighboring Latin 
American countries, Clinton administration officials said.

Consideration of the broader approach comes as Colombia's neighbors raise 
concerns that the current effort could spread conflict throughout the region.

With the expanded approach, Latin American diplomats said, U.S. aid in 
coming years could dwarf the $180 million in regional help approved by the 
U. S. Congress this year.
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